Millions of households could face threat of emergency blackouts
The UK's National Energy System Operator has introduced new rules allowing for rolling three-hour power cuts to prevent total grid collapse. These measures can be implemented without government approval during extreme energy shortages.
Why it matters
The policy change reflects growing concerns over energy grid stability and the reliability of renewable energy sources.
The National Energy System Operator has the ability to disconnect up to 20pc of power at five minutes' notice in the face of imminent system collapse - Adam Lister Emergency power cuts could be imposed on millions of households at short notice to avoid nationwide blackouts, under new rules introduced by grid bosses .
Measures that came into effect this week give the National Energy System Operator (Neso) the authority to tackle electricity shortages with rolling power cuts around the country.
Each area would have its power switched off for three hours at a time. Neso would have to give just eight hours' notice to use the so-called demand control rotation protocol.
The new measures, first reported by The Guardian, are designed to bridge a gap between Neso's current emergency powers and rolling-blackout plans that require government approval.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in